Anna Hackett's Blog, page 30

Add some Sci-fi to your New Year

Happy New Year everyone! I'm sure you're all busy making resolutions, buoyed by that awesome "anything is possible" feeling a new year brings. I know I am.

One thing I'm doing this year is embracing my inner sci-fi geek (-: I've joined the fabulous Carina Press sci-fi authors at Contact: Infinite Futures! What I love about this group is that there is sci-fi for everyone! Romance and non-romance. Cyberpunk, space opera, post apocalyptic, military, steampunk, erotic. M/F, M/M, F/F. You name, you'll find it here.

To celebrate the New Year, the gang at Contact:IF are giving away a bundle of TWELVE science fiction ebooks to the lucky winner of this 1-day-only contest on Twitter.

You can follow us: @ContactIF

Simply use the hashtag #Ilovescifi and share why you love sci-fi.

The contest will end at 10am CT on the 2nd. Here is the final list of books on offer (a damn good selection if I do say so myself! Something for everyone):

Blue Galaxy - Diane Dooley
Alien 'n' Outlaw - KC Burn
Stellarnet Rebel - JL Hilton
Liar's Game - Kait Gamble
Sparks in Cosmic Dust - Robert Appleton
Escape Velocity - Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Winter Fusion - Anna Hackett
Undercover Alliance - Lilly Cain
Supercritical - Shawn Kupfer
League of Illusions: Leagcy - Vivi Anna
Desert Blade -- Ella Drake
Rulebreaker - Cathy Pegau

Good luck and Happy New Year to you all!

Thanks for an Amazing 2012

To all the readers who enjoyed the first two books in THE ANOMALY TRILOGY and my first sci-fi romance, WINTER FUSION, thank you! Those of you who left wonderful reviews and emailed me to let me know how much you loved my stories, an extra big thank you.

Image: WoodleywonderworksTo all my writing friends -- those I've met in person and those only in cyberspace -- thank you for all the friendship and support in 2012. I'm hoping we all have a stellar 2013!

To Em and Rach, my wonderful CPs, I know I've said it before but I'll say it again: I couldn't do it without you!

To my wonderful husband and son, thank you for your unwavering support. Your belief in me makes me believe anything is possible.

I know I have plenty of plans and goals for the coming year and I'm sure you all do, too. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hoping everyone has an amazing 2013!!

“And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been”
― Rainer Maria Rilke

2012: A Montage of Books I Enjoyed

A little photo montage of books I enjoyed reading during 2012. There’s a lot of romance (of course) of all genres, but mostly paranormal/sci-fi, and some non-fiction on writing, creativity and inspiration.











 
   
 
 

Something for Everybody these Holidays

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia. The Germanic peoples of Northern Europe celebrated Yule. The ancient Slavic ritual of Koleda was a celebration of death and rebirth. And of course Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ.

The celebrations may have changed through the years, but this time of year is always a celebration of family, giving, love and eating too much food! I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, Feliz Natal and Happy Holidays!

If you're looking for some holiday reading,Carina Press has holiday stories to suit every taste!!

Romancing the Holiday
Romancing the Holiday was a delightful collection of holiday romances that I heartily recommend for you to read to get in the festive mood. ~ BookLovers Inc

We wish you a merry Christmas...and a happily ever after!

A memorable three-night stand gets rekindled in a cabin in West Virginia. An office romance is sparked by an impulsive holiday kiss. And two best friends scout locations for a marriage proposal and discover that they make a perfect match. 'Tis the season for laughter, love and a lifetime of happiness.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:

We'll Be Home for Christmas by HelenKay Dimon
The Best Thing by Jaci Burton
Ask Her at Christmas by Christi Barth

ROMANCING THE HOLIDAY – Carina Press | Amazon | B&N | All Romance
 Red Hot Holiday
Red Hot Holiday: I thought it was a wonderful mixture of erotic holiday stories. ~ The Book Pushers

I'll be home for Christmas...to fulfill all your dreams.

This holiday, a Mountie is determined to get her man. A widow finds a fireman who ignites her passions again. And two men unsure of their commitment discover a happily ever after--and a blindfold--under their tree. No matter your desires, this collection of three shorts is bound to treat you to all the joys of the season.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
I Need You for Christmas by Leah Braemel
Breath on Embers by Annie Calhoun
Wish List by K.A. Mitchell


RED HOT HOLIDAY – Carina Press | Amazon | B&N | All Romance
 A Galactic HolidayA Galactic Holiday is a fantastic anthology containing some great Christmas themed science fiction romance stories and is great for anyone who wants to get into the holiday mood. ~ Feeling Fictional



Do androids dream of electric sugar plums?

A detective who refuses to modify her body teams up with her cyborg rival to track down a burglar who is putting toys into homes. A solitary ice miner finds love and friendship while stranded on the surface of Galileo. And two hardheaded negotiators put their differences aside to evade an assassin and save their planets. Enjoy these visions of Christmases yet to come with three science-fiction novellas from Carina Press.

Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
How the Glitch Saved Christmas, by Stacy Gail
Galileo's Holiday, by Sasha Summers
Winter Fusion, by Anna Hackett

A GALACTIC HOLIDAY – Carina Press | Amazon | B&N | All Romance 

4 B-Grade Sci-fi Action Movies for a Fun Friday Night

The term B movie is usually for low-budget films and came in during the Golden Age of Hollywood to describe the bottom half of a double feature. The "King of the Bs" is director/producer, Roger Corman, whose movies include: Monster from the Ocean Floor, Swamp Woman, Attack of the Crab Monsters and Dinocroc vs Supergator!

I confess, sometimes I just LOVE a B-Grade action movie. When I want some easy entertainment, I love it to come with some over-the-top action, slightly dodgy special affects, sometimes dubious acting but always a fun story that drags me out of the real world for a little while.

Now, my B-Grade movies listed below certainly do not all have low budgets, but they fit my idea of B-Grade fun.

Resident EvilZombies, a kick-butt heroine in Alice and some heart-pounding action. There are four more movies in the series including the latest, Resident Evil: Retribution.

Riddick - Image: puuikibeachBattleshipThis movie ticked all the boxes for me! It was FUN and the characters even had good character growth. Add an alien invasion, battleships and Alexander Skarsgård and I'm hooked.

LockoutI stumbled onto this one by accident and enjoyed it. A prison in orbit and a prisoner breakout, Aussie actor, Guy Pearce and the girl from the movie Taken, as well as co-written by the king of action movies, Luc Besson.

Pitch BlackAn oldie but a goodie! It has an awesome anti-hero in Riddick and some scary alien predators.

6 More Must Read Sci-fi Romances

Last month I featured some sci-fi romances that were literally out of this world, off planet and in deep space.

This week I'm showcasing 6 more romances that show that science fiction covers a lot of ground. Many are set on Earth...but not the Earth we know! There's a steampunk story, an erotic sci-fi, a zombie apocalypse story , futuristic sci-fi suspense and even a heroine who's dead!

Enjoy!  MetalMark by Ella DrakeI LOVE this cover! So sexy.   _________________________________________________ Room with a View by Kylie Scott Yay, zombies!
___________________________________________________Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn FisherFor a sci-fi that's a little different...yes, the heroine is dead.
___________________________________________________Courting Trouble by Jenny SchwartzYay, steampunk...in Australia.
____________________________________________________Galactic Inferno by Mel TeshcoFor those who like their sci-fi hot and spicy!
____________________________________________________Caught in Amber by Cathy PegauSome futuristic sci-fi suspense. Sorry, this one isn't out until January!

6 More Must Read Sci-fi Romances

Last month I featured some sci-fi romances that were literally out of this world, off planet and in deep space.

This week I'm showcasing 6 more romances that show that science fiction covers a lot of ground. Many are set on Earth...but not the Earth we know! There's a steampunk story, an erotic sci-fi, a zombie apocalypse story , futuristic sci-fi suspense and even a heroine who's dead!

Enjoy!  MetalMark by Ella DrakeI LOVE this cover! So sexy.   _________________________________________________ Room with a View by Kylie Scott Yay, zombies!
___________________________________________________Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn FisherFor a sci-fi that's a little different...yes, the heroine is dead.
___________________________________________________Courting Trouble by Jenny SchwartzYay, steampunk...in Australia.
____________________________________________________Galactic Inferno by Mel TeshcoFor those who like their sci-fi hot and spicy!
____________________________________________________Caught in Amber by Cathy PegauSome futuristic sci-fi suspense. Sorry, this one isn't out until January!

QUICK QUESTIONS with Christina Ashcroft

Here to answer some quick questions this month is Christina Ashcroft, talented Aussie romance author. Christina's latest paranormal release, ARCHANGEL OF MERCY, has just hit the shelves this week!

For a chance to win a copy of her erotic paranormal novella, FORETASTE OF FOREVER, read on.

Demon or angel?

Well, as my book is about the Archangel Gabriel I'm going to have to say angels!!! But since nothing is ever that easy in my world I also have to confess that the demons in my books are pretty darn hot too :-)

Plotter or pantser?

Mostly a panster, although I have a vague kind of road map in my head so I know the general direction of where we're supposed to be heading. This of course is all liable to change once my characters take over. I've learned the hard way to let them lead me since they usually have a far better understanding of what's going on than I do!

Coffee or tea?

Earl Grey first thing in the morning, coffee with lunch and after dinner, then Earl Grey before bed. And no milk in the tea! Anna here - my kind of gal! I am ADDICTED to Earl Grey (and of course no milk!) You need to try Monk Pear from T2. Sorry back to the QQ.

Action movie or romantic comedy?

This depends on my mood. I've been watching The Avengers and The Hunger Games a lot lately :-) But if I really had to choose, I'd say romantic comedy because this can cover a HUGE range of movies! Anna again - we'll forgive you since you like The Avengers.

Novel or novella?

Although the first two stories I had published were novellas, usually I prefer writing full length novels as I find writing shorts very difficult (not that you would guess, going by my rambling answers to your Quick Questions!) On the reading front I've realised that this year I've read a great many more novellas and short stories than I have full length novels, which is a departure for me as usually it's the other way around.

Han Solo or Indiana Jones?

This is a very hard question!!! Indiana Jones has that whip and the hat. But Han Solo has a spacecraft! How's a girl supposed to choose between that?

Sunset or sunrise?

I'm trying to remember if I've ever been up early enough to witness a sunrise!!! I do love sunsets, although rarely saw them before we moved to Australia. We live near the beach, and it's absolutely breathtaking to watch the sun set on the horizon with the ocean spread out before us. However, in the second book in my Archangel series I do have a beautiful sunrise scene!



GIVEAWAY: I'm giving away an e-copy of my erotic paranormal novella, FORETASTE OF FOREVER (writing as Christina Phillips) to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment or let me know who you'd like stuffed in your stocking this Christmas - an angel or a demon?

Destined to fall... destined to love...

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she’s determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they’re together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.


Archangel of Mercy: The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Christina Ashcroft: Website


Powerful witch Elyesha finally finds the only man she's ever loved, the man who deserted her countless years before. But Ben is torn between desire and despair when Elyesha, his only love, discovers his retreat. He abandoned her to save her but how can he resist her seductive embrace when she offers him everything his shattered soul craves?

He knows what she wants. But the price is too high. He'll take what she offers for one last night - but as their erotic encounter unfolds so too does the devastating truth.

QUICK QUESTIONS with Christina Ashcroft

Here to answer some quick questions this month is Christina Ashcroft, talented Aussie romance author. Christina's latest paranormal release, ARCHANGEL OF MERCY, has just hit the shelves this week!

For a chance to win a copy of her erotic paranormal novella, FORETASTE OF FOREVER, read on.

Demon or angel?

Well, as my book is about the Archangel Gabriel I'm going to have to say angels!!! But since nothing is ever that easy in my world I also have to confess that the demons in my books are pretty darn hot too :-)

Plotter or pantser?

Mostly a panster, although I have a vague kind of road map in my head so I know the general direction of where we're supposed to be heading. This of course is all liable to change once my characters take over. I've learned the hard way to let them lead me since they usually have a far better understanding of what's going on than I do!

Coffee or tea?

Earl Grey first thing in the morning, coffee with lunch and after dinner, then Earl Grey before bed. And no milk in the tea! Anna here - my kind of gal! I am ADDICTED to Earl Grey (and of course no milk!) You need to try Monk Pear from T2. Sorry back to the QQ.

Action movie or romantic comedy?

This depends on my mood. I've been watching The Avengers and The Hunger Games a lot lately :-) But if I really had to choose, I'd say romantic comedy because this can cover a HUGE range of movies! Anna again - we'll forgive you since you like The Avengers.

Novel or novella?

Although the first two stories I had published were novellas, usually I prefer writing full length novels as I find writing shorts very difficult (not that you would guess, going by my rambling answers to your Quick Questions!) On the reading front I've realised that this year I've read a great many more novellas and short stories than I have full length novels, which is a departure for me as usually it's the other way around.

Han Solo or Indiana Jones?

This is a very hard question!!! Indiana Jones has that whip and the hat. But Han Solo has a spacecraft! How's a girl supposed to choose between that?

Sunset or sunrise?

I'm trying to remember if I've ever been up early enough to witness a sunrise!!! I do love sunsets, although rarely saw them before we moved to Australia. We live near the beach, and it's absolutely breathtaking to watch the sun set on the horizon with the ocean spread out before us. However, in the second book in my Archangel series I do have a beautiful sunrise scene!



GIVEAWAY: I'm giving away an e-copy of my erotic paranormal novella, FORETASTE OF FOREVER (writing as Christina Phillips) to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment or let me know who you'd like stuffed in your stocking this Christmas - an angel or a demon?

Destined to fall... destined to love...

When Aurora Robinson attempts to open a rift between dimensions to embrace her true heritage, an arrogant Archangel is the only one who can save her from the jaws of hell. And while she owes Gabriel her life, she’s determined not to fall at his feet-despite the desire she feels whenever they’re together.

After his wings were brutally destroyed millennia ago, Gabriel has no compassion for humans like those who ruined him and betrayed the ones he loved. But when he inexplicably finds himself defying ancient protocols to rescue a woman from a fate worse than death, he is shocked by the searing attraction he feels for a mortal.

As the ancient forces that seek to punish Aurora for her actions close in, Gabriel offers the tempting woman protection at his private sanctuary. But as they both succumb to their desires, they discover an even deeper connection-one that threatens to consume them.


Archangel of Mercy: The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Christina Ashcroft: Website


Powerful witch Elyesha finally finds the only man she's ever loved, the man who deserted her countless years before. But Ben is torn between desire and despair when Elyesha, his only love, discovers his retreat. He abandoned her to save her but how can he resist her seductive embrace when she offers him everything his shattered soul craves?

He knows what she wants. But the price is too high. He'll take what she offers for one last night - but as their erotic encounter unfolds so too does the devastating truth.

Romance + Sci fi + Holidays = A GALACTIC HOLIDAY

A GALACTIC HOLIDAY and WINTER FUSION have arrived!

I can not tell you how excited I am for my very first sci-fi romance to hit the cyber shelves.

SFR fans: I hope you enjoy my version of Yule on a distant ice world.

For my paranormal readers: you can expect the same fast-paced, action-filled, emotional romance...just set off planet.

For the non-sci-fi readers: well, I hope some of you enjoy it as well.

Here's what some early readers are saying:

"If you are a Science Fiction Romance reader A Galactic Holiday is a must read."

"I really enjoyed this collection of novellas and I would recommend it to any fans of romantic sci-fi in the mood for the holidays."

"A Galactic Holiday is a wonderful read for the holiday season. Part romance, part sci-fi, and part just plain fun."

And don't forget to check out a futuristic Christmas set in Chicago in HOW THE GLITCH SAVED CHRISTMAS by the wonderful Stacy Gail. And a special holiday set on a deep space colony in GALILEO'S HOLIDAY by the lovely Sasha Summers.

Also, want to win some intergalactic swag?

An out-of-this-world giveaway